Description:
Poompukhar is 40-km from Chidambaram, where the Cauvery, merges with the bellowing sea, it was formerly known as "Puhar", but due to the exquisite beauty of the port town, it came to be called as `Poompuhar'. Another name of Poompuhar was Kaveripoompattinam. Poompuhar beach has black sand and rough surf, making it unsuitable for swimming. In spite of this it is very popular with the locals. It has a monument depicting an ancient bathing scene, which adds to its uniqueness. A fine beach and calm water offer good bathing.
Poompuhar, once the biggest port on the east coast, was at its peak under the earlier Chola Kings. Silappathikaram and Manimekalai bring out the greatness of the city in some of the poems in Sangam literature and also among the epics.
The life and time of the Tamil classic 'Silappathikaram' has been recreated at Poompuhar to the immense pleasure of the Tamils. In order to conjure up the decorative ornamental scenic beauty of Poompuhar, an art gallery is made to present the environment and atmosphere of the 2nd century AD by the creation of the llanji Mandram, Paval Mandram, the Buddhist School, Arugan Kottam, Tirumal Kottam, Murugu Kottam, etc.
